Joaquin Mancera
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-1st, toured the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center at Bristol Motor Speedway on Monday.
During his visit Gov. Lee highlighted the spirit of volunteerism that he has witnessed from the locals working tirelessly, to the individuals from across the country that have made the trip to deliver much needed supplies.
"There's an American spirit here," Lee said. "Just in the few minutes that I walk through the line of cars and vehicles that are delivering supplies. I talked to folks from three, four different states. It's inspiring."
The center was established at BMS last week to serve Northeast Tennessee counties impacted by record flooding from Hurricane Helene.
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Last week the White House approved a major disaster declaration for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties in East Tennessee.
"What we're seeing here is the part where government isn't the entire answer. The people are the answer, and they are answering the call, and it's evident here," Lee said.
Gov. Lee, who spoke with several volunteers as they went about their duties, explained that his reason for visiting has been to witness the work being done and understand the region's needs, in order to better coordinate with federal agencies.
"We're a week into this and there's much to be done," Lee said. "I'm here to witness what the response should be from the agencies, the government, to coordinate with Sen. Blackburn, Congresswoman Harshbarger; to coordinate with federal funding and federal programming.
"There are great needs out there. Great need for that to be well coordinated, to make sure that everything that's donated actually finds its way to someone who needs it," added Lee.
During the visit, Sen. Blackburn explained that her office is setting up federal pop-up locations across counties in Northeast Tennessee. There, people can apply to get Social Security cards, SNAP benefits, IRS documents and SBA documents, Blackburn said.
Gov. Lee is aware that people are frustrated.
"I hesitate to tell people to be patient, because they got enough to deal with to have to worry about being patient. What I would just say is we see you, hear you," Lee said.
When it comes to misinformation Gov. Lee explained that it has been difficult to push back on it, because at the end of the day people can say whatever they want online.
"You can't stop misinformation. People can say whatever they want to say," Lee said. "What I'll say is look with your own eyes what's happening here; this work and this effort."
Harshbarger invited anyone who has doubts or concerns regarding the presence and coordinated activities of federal and state officials in their communities, to reach out to her or Sen. Blackburn.
"My message to these people is look, you trust me, you trust Marsha, you trust the governor. Listen, let these people come in. Let them help you, because we wouldn't steer you in the wrong way and if you mistrust them, you call my office," Harshbarger said. "We are truly here to help. So, please contact us."
jmancera@bristolnews.com
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